by a small stone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a small stone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is located or affected by a small stone, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The path was obstructed by a small stone, making it difficult to walk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Northern point is marked by a small, stone lighthouse.

The New Yorker

He believes the snow then got trapped by a small stone jetty that acted as a catch and somehow shaped the slush into balls.

Huffington Post

The West Mere, covering 2.25-acres (1 ha), stretches away from the location of West Gate and is blocked at the far end by a small, stone dam.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Part of the study site was surrounded by a small stone-wall which, together with two large rocky outcrops, provided numerous refuge sites for the lizard population.

Plosone

Then there is Tom, who works as a mechanic in a remote northern area, welds beach-combed metal into rough sculptures by night and inhabits a small stone cottage with no electricity and a fireplace for heat, in the midst of sheep grazing at the edge of the sea.

The New York Times - Books

One orangutan, Kikan, had injured her foot, and had been helped by a conservationist who dug out a small stone and then dripped latex from the stem of a fig leaf on to the wound to seal it.

BBC

It was a small stone whose sparkle was dimmed by the dust.

Huffington Post

He noticed a small stone marker.

The New Yorker

Pawpaw had been stationed near a small stone bridge.

The New Yorker

A small stone heart reads "loved and not forgotten".

The Guardian - Travel

A small stone spire completes the composition.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "by a small stone", ensure the context clearly indicates the stone's role, whether it's marking a location, causing an obstruction, or acting as a component in a larger structure.

Common error

Avoid using "by a small stone" when you mean a significantly larger rock formation. Scale is crucial; ensure the adjective "small" accurately reflects the stone's size relative to the subject.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "by a small stone" is as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a verb or noun, indicating location or means. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its use in describing physical proximity or a causative relationship. Its usage patterns are fairly consistent with general English grammar and common expressions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by a small stone" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate proximity or a cause-and-effect relationship involving a small stone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears in varied contexts, predominantly in news, wiki, and science-related content. Its usage frequency is uncommon, and Ludwig highlights its role in descriptive settings where the stone influences or is located near something. To avoid ambiguity, ensure the context clearly defines the stone's role. For alternatives, consider "near a pebble" or "alongside a small rock". Overall, while simple, "by a small stone" effectively conveys spatial or causal relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beside a little stone

Replaces "small" with "little", changing the word choice while keeping the meaning identical.

near a tiny rock

Substitutes "small stone" with "tiny rock", altering both adjective and noun for a slightly less formal tone.

adjacent to a pebble

Replaces "small stone" with "pebble", changing the specific type of stone while maintaining proximity.

next to a little rock

Changes "small stone" to "little rock", indicating a very slight shift in emphasis.

alongside a small rock

Substitutes "stone" with "rock", keeping the size description intact.

supported by a small stone

Shifts focus to the supporting function of the stone, suggesting a reliance or dependency.

defined by a small stone

Emphasizes the role of the small stone in outlining or demarcating something.

marked by a small stone

Highlights the stone's use as a marker or indicator, changing the relationship to identification.

delimited by a small stone

Formally expresses the idea of something being bordered or confined by a small stone.

with a little stone

Replaces "by" with "with", changing the preposition and emphasizing the possession of something.

FAQs

What does the phrase "by a small stone" mean?

The phrase "by a small stone" typically means near or next to a small stone, or sometimes influenced or caused "by a minor detail". It describes a spatial relationship or a cause-and-effect scenario where the stone plays a role.

How can I use "by a small stone" in a sentence?

You can use "by a small stone" to describe a location (e.g., "The flower grew by a small stone"), or to indicate a cause (e.g., "The mechanism was jammed by a small stone"). Ensure the context makes the relationship clear.

What are some alternatives to "by a small stone"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "near a pebble", "alongside a small rock", or even "adjacent to a pebble". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "near a small stone" instead of "by a small stone"?

Yes, "near a small stone" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "by a small stone", especially if you are describing proximity. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.